Ripple Criticized for Advocating Multi-Asset Crypto Reserve Over Bitcoin-Only Approach

Ripple Criticized for Advocating Multi-Asset Crypto Reserve Over Bitcoin-Only Approach

The Bitcoin community is fiercely opposing Ripple's advocacy for a diversified crypto reserve, which goes beyond Bitcoin. The debate has escalated following reports that President Trump is considering a U.S. strategic reserve that could include various cryptocurrencies such as XRP, USD Coin, and Solana.

Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, has publicly backed the idea of a multi-coin strategic reserve, a proposal that has stirred backlash from Bitcoin supporters. Many critics believe Ripple’s push for a broader reserve undermines efforts to establish a dedicated U.S. Bitcoin reserve, a move they see as essential for reinforcing Bitcoin’s position as a leading asset.

Notable Bitcoin advocates, including Riot Platforms’ research head Pierre Rochard, have voiced concerns, accusing Ripple of obstructing the Bitcoin reserve initiative. Rochard specifically pointed to Ripple’s political lobbying efforts and support for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), claiming these actions dilute Bitcoin’s influence in the national crypto policy landscape.

Entrepreneur Wayne Vaughan is among those who argue that only Bitcoin should be part of the U.S. government’s crypto holdings, warning that diversifying the reserve could have significant political repercussions for the Trump administration. Bitvolt CEO Nico Moran joined in, criticizing Ripple for prioritizing its own interests over the broader public good.

Ryan Selkis, CEO of Messari, also weighed in, calling out Ripple’s lobbying efforts and its ties to political figures, which he believes could have negative consequences for U.S. cryptocurrency policy. Selkis emphasized that XRP represents the very reason a national crypto reserve should be exclusively Bitcoin.

The controversy has taken place against the backdrop of President Trump’s Jan. 23 executive order, which prohibits the development of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) in the U.S. while laying the groundwork for a national digital asset inventory.